Abstract
The possibilities for using satellite solar power stations for large-scale power generation on earth, converting solar energy into microwave energy, transmitting it to the earth’s surface, and transforming it into electricity have recently been explored. The current state of technology and the necessary developments for accomplishing the four functions, i.e., collection of solar energy, conversion to and transmission of microwaves and rectification to DC on the ground, are reviewed. The requirements for flight control, earth-to-orbit transportation, and orbital assembly are discussed. Environmental issues, including impact of waste heat release, water injection into the upper atmosphere by space vehicle exhaust, noise pollution, and location of antenna sites are listed. Biological effects and radio frequency interference are explored. The time frame for accomplishing the operational system is outlined.
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© 1975 Plenum Press, New York
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Glaser, P.E., Maynard, O. (1975). Solar Power via Satellite. In: Michaelson, S.M., Miller, M.W., Magin, R., Carstensen, E.L. (eds) Fundamental and Applied Aspects of Nonionizing Radiation. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0760-0_22
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0760-0_22
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